Transforming agriculture
Transformation: agriculture in transition
To understand why food forests play an important role in the agricultural transition from industrial agriculture to nature-integrated methods, it is important to understand the differences between the terms and (political) areas of agriculture, forestry and nature conservation. We believe that it is necessary to integrate these areas more closely in order to regain a more holistic perspective on our landscape and food production. Our aim is to produce food in harmony with nature – and not against it.
An extended view:
In recent decades, agriculture has led to a strong decoupling from natural processes. Monocultures, intensive soil cultivation and the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides have led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution in many places. At the same time, forestry has often been viewed in isolation from agricultural land, while nature reserves have mostly served purely as refuges for flora and fauna – separate from economic utilisation. But there is an alternative approach: integrated landscape utilisation that combines agriculture, forestry and nature conservation. Food forests are an example of this way of thinking. By reconnecting these three areas, a regenerative, resilient and sustainable agriculture can be created – a form of agriculture that supports natural processes and is still economically viable. The solution lies in synergy – not in separation
With agroforestry, important steps towards transformation have been taken
According to DeFAF, the term agroforestry refers to land use systems in which woody plants (trees or shrubs) are combined with arable crops and/or livestock farming on a single area in such a way that ecological and economic benefits are created between the various components (Nair, 1993). Typical for all types of agroforestry are consciously utilised interactions between woody and arable crops or grassland.
In agroforestry systems, a distinction is usually made between the combination of
- trees with arable crops (silvoarable systems),
- trees with animal livestock (silvopastoral systems) and
- trees with arable crops and animal husbandry (agrosilvopastoral systems).
(Nair 1985). As the age, distribution and arrangement of the woody plants can vary, there are many different forms. Source: DeFAF
We want to take further steps with food forests and biodiverse agroforestry systems
There is one or several definitions of food forests, but so far not in the sense of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) – at least not in Germany. We are therefore delighted to be working with DeFAF and other key players in German-speaking countries to further promote food forests. At the same time, we appreciate the international cooperation to promote this sustainable cultivation method worldwide! We will keep you informed about further developments.
For alle those who want to know more about the definition of agroforestry within the meaning of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): read more on the DeFAF fact sheet.
Of course, a genuine agricultural turnaround requires more than a definition of food forests in terms of the CAP. It requires knowledge, courage, solidarity, the commitment of citizens and politicians, the financing of the transformation, a food transition and much more. The challenges are huge – let’s tackle them!
Ecosystem services
The air we breathe – the soil on which our food grows – the coolness of a forest on a hot summer’s day – we normally take all of this for granted. In fact, however, these are all examples of what are known as ecosystem services. Functioning ecosystems are the basis of life for us all: every day they produce oxygen, store water, build fertile soil and much more. As these cycles are not recognised in the current economic system, they are quickly forgotten – and yet we are all dependent on them.
Food forests not only produce food and other products, but also provide a wide range of ecosystem services.
Blog posts
In our blog, we share insights into the world of food forests, report on our projects and events and offer practical tips on how you too can create your own food forest. Whether you want to find out how permaculture and agroforestry can change the world or are simply looking for new inspiration for your project…
Join us on the path to a regenerative future in which people and nature can grow together in harmony.